As you skim through recipes, you’d like to do or liqueurs that go well with certain dishes, you’ve probably come across Chambord, a fancy-sounding liqueur.
But when you’re in liquor stores and look at the price tag, you’ll probably step aside in shock. Chambord is quite pricey!
So, what can you do if your recipe calls for Chambord or you’d like to enjoy a drink similar to this premium liqueur… without breaking the bank?
Whether you’re looking for Chambord to add to your dishes for a deeper flavor or want a non-alcoholic substitute, we have everything you need.
Read on to learn all about this liqueur and the best Chambord substitutes!
The Best Alcohol Substitutes for Chambord
These ingredients are great to use for your recipes, with some being a good substitute for Chambord if you want to enjoy a good drink. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on recipes, cocktails, or drinks.
But hey, if you do want Chambord for your recipe but have a limited budget, why not go for a sample-size bottle? It’s an affordable solution for one-off recipes or 1-2 cocktails!
For those who really need Chambord substitutes, try any of these liqueurs:
1. Black Raspberry Liqueur
You can opt for a black raspberry liqueur, which is sweeter than it is tart. It’s also darker in color.
Among different black raspberry liqueur brands, we recommend using Di Amore Raspberry. This liqueur tastes like sweet black raspberries and is cheaper than Chambord, though it has fewer vanilla flavors and isn’t as smooth.
We recommend using Di Amore Raspberry as a refreshing summer drink, adding vodka or dry gin. You can also use it as an ingredient for Cosmopolitan!
2. Raspberry Liqueurs
Chambord is a mixture of select berries, and it’s actually a type of raspberry liqueur. But Chambord isn’t the only brand of raspberry liqueur available, making raspberry liqueurs excellent replacements. These liqueurs have a sweet and tart flavor that enhances the flavors of cocktails and certain dishes!
If you want more exact brands, we highly recommend the following raspberry liqueurs:
- DeKuyper Razzmatazz tastes similar to Chambord, especially when mixed with cocktails like the Martini, Raspberries, and Cream, or Kir Royale. It’s much cheaper than Chambord, but you’ll notice the difference when sipping Razzmatazz on its own, as it’s sweeter and has a syrupy consistency.
- Framboise has a sweet and intense flavor, and while not as smooth as Chambord, it’s barely noticeable in most applications. We highly recommend it in cocktails like Bourbon Blush or Floradora, macerate the fruit, or mix it in homemade jelly or jam. Giffard Framboise Liqueur and Mathilde Framboise Liqueur are two brands to trust.
- Bols Black Raspberry Liqueur and St. George’s Raspberry Liqueur are other brands you can trust.
3. Raspberry-Flavored Vodka or Rum
You can find rum and vodka varieties flavored with raspberries, making them an excellent substitute for Chambord. Plus, many of them come at such affordable prices in local liquor stores.
When selecting rum or vodka, be sure that you get high-quality brands! Furthermore, you should get liqueur with raspberry flavors coming in heavy composition to surface in mixed drinks.
4. Crème de Cassis
If you’re not a huge fan of raspberry liqueur, then you’re going to love crème de cassis, which is made of blackcurrant.
It was made in Dijon in the 18th century, with the French background and blackcurrants sharing similarities with Chambord.
You can use this blackcurrant liqueur in various cocktails that ask for Chambord or drink it on its own as an aperitif. It has a sweet and fruity taste many will appreciate! It also works for the following dishes and recipes that call for Chambord:
- Duck-based dishes
- Fruit sauces
- Ice cream
- Jelly
- Sorbet
- Trifle
- Cakes
- In homemade fruit liqueurs
If you’re looking for brands to trust, we recommend getting Hiram Walker, Massensez, or Frillaud. (*)
5. Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine
Ole Smoky Moonshine doesn’t have similar flavors in Chambord but is still worth trying if you want something a tad less, French.
It’s a blackberry-infused spirit made in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, either drunk on its own or in lemonade.
Ole Smoky has a slightly higher ABV of 20%, which gives an extra kick to your cocktails and other beverages.
6. Giffard Blackberry Liqueur
This is another raspberry liqueur, also called Muroise aux Baies Rouges.
It has a brilliant ruby color and is of premium quality, using a special variety of aromatic and gentle blackberries, which continue developing flavor even after they were macerated in alcohol.
It’s just as expensive as Chambord, so we don’t recommend using this in cooking applications, but it tastes amazing alone or in cocktails that need Chambord. Use it in a Raspberry Margarita, French Manhattan, or Daiquiri.
7. Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
This liqueur comes from the United States and combines pomegranate juice with tequila and vodka.
It has a 17% ABV, so it doesn’t hit you, compared to what the usual vodka or tequila would.
We like Pama because it has the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
We recommend using it in cocktails like the Raspberry Russian or with cranberry juice.
Furthermore, you can use Pama in cooking or baking, particularly in desserts like Panna cottas, cheesecakes, and cakes, among other baked goods!
The Best Non-Alcoholic Chambord Substitutes
These substitutes for Chambord contain no alcohol, making them suitable for everyone!
Don’t worry, though, as these alternatives nail the flavor you want in your dishes. Try the following:
1. Raspberry Syrup
Raspberry syrup is a fantastic substitute for Chambord, which you can find in grocery stores or make in your kitchen.
This ingredient is simply fresh raspberries pureed with water and sugar, which are then boiled to evaporate excess fluids. As a result, you get a concentrated liquid with intense flavors similar to Chambord.
You can use the raspberry syrup in mocktails and beverages or desserts like cupcakes, pancakes, pies, puddings, cakes, or other icy desserts.
2. Raspberry Juice
Raspberry juice is our preferred substitute for Chambord as it’s very affordable and easy to find in grocery stores. Plus, it mixes well in drinks like mocktails or smoothies, even adding health benefits!
You can use a 1:1 ratio to replace Chambord with juice. If you get the sweetened version of raspberry juice with added sugars, you may need to adjust the sugar content in your recipes. If possible, we recommend getting the unsweetened version or raspberry juice concentrate.
3. Raspberry Extract
Raspberry extract is an excellent addition to Chambord in smoothies and desserts without alcohol. You get the same fruity flavor without any alcohol, perfect for mocktails like the raspberry mojito.
Take note that extracts have a higher flavor intensity so a small amount will go a long way. If a recipe asks for two tablespoons of Chambord, start with one teaspoon of raspberry extract first, adding more until you reach the desired flavor.
Another huge plus is that good quality raspberry extract is readily available in supermarkets and way cheaper than Chambord!
Use it in any drinks, desserts, or savory dishes that ask for Chambord.
Chambord Liqueur Fun Facts
We have so much more to say about Chambord! Learn more about this interesting liqueur with these fun facts, to follow with frequently asked questions in the next section.
- Chambord is made of XO cognac (that’s been aged for over 6 years), blackberries, black raspberries, Moroccan citrus peel, Madagascar vanilla, honey, and aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It has a 16.5% ABV.
- Chambord comes from Loire Valley, France. The liqueur is based on a local recipe that dates back to the 17th century.
- If you’re wondering about the high price, it’s because Chambord is made of high-quality ingredients, like XO brandy and selected berries. Plus, it has a slow brewing process of about six weeks, which adds to the total price.
- You can use Chambord in so many food, desserts, and cocktails! Use it in cupcakes, cookies, tiramisu, sauces, puddings, truffles, jams, ice cream, dessert dips, martinis, cosmopolitans, margaritas, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is creme de cassis like Chambord?
No, these two liqueurs are not the same. Crème de cassis is a dark and syrupy liqueur made from blackcurrants.
It’s much sweeter, and there are many creme de cassis liqueur varieties available, with the flavor depending on the berry content, fruit variety, and production method.
Chambord, on the other hand, is also. French liqueur, this time made from blackcurrants, blackberries, raspberry, vanilla from Madagascar, and brandy. It has a more complex flavor and is less sweet than crème de cassis.
Furthermore, Chambord is of higher quality at a higher price.
2. Is raspberry liqueur and Chambord the same?
Yes, they are the same, as Chambord is a specific brand under raspberry liqueur. It’s cognac-based and used for cocktails, baking, and cooking.
And if you’re wondering, Chambord is a brandy, as cognac is a type of brandy!
3. Can you drink Chambord on its own?
Heck yes, you can! It’s a delicious drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif, meaning you can drink it before or after meals.
Chambord isn’t as overly sweet or choking compared to other liqueurs, so you can drink it alone. You can also add it to cocktails, which give drinks a brighter color and flavor.
4. What does Chambord taste like?
Chambord is an incredibly versatile liqueur, and its flavor can range depending on how you choose to drink it.
Straight up, Chambord tastes faintly of berries and citrus, with a chocolatey finish that lingers on the palate. When mixed with champagne, Chambord takes on a slightly sweeter taste, with the berry notes becoming more pronounced. And when mixed with Bourbon or another cognac-based spirit, Chambord really comes alive, offering a complex blend of flavors that are both sweet and savory. No matter how you choose to drink it, Chambord is always smooth and delicious.
Wrapping It Up
We love the amazing ruby color and intense raspberry flavors Chambord offers, but we don’t like its price! Fortunately, there are many substitutes you can choose, whether you want a cheaper liqueur, a non-alcoholic substitute, or just have no Chambord in the liquor store at the moment.
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